A/N: Chapter two already because I was feeling inspired. Here's the first apperance of Preston & Englehorn in the story! Yay. Someone else will appear next chapter and will be quite important.


Chapter Two

Ashley and Tori appeared on the deck of the Venture. It seemed to be ported at a dock and it was nighttime. "Well, I wasn't expecting the night but we're here," Ashley whispered.

Tori made a small squeeling noise that a fangirl would make. "So awesome!"

Ashley nodded in reply. "But when are we?" Tori looked at her with a confused look. "I mean, when in the movie are we. It looks like sometime after they ditched Kong, but I can't be sure. Let's check and see who's on the boat," Ashley started off towards a door.

"Wait," Tori grabbed her arm, stopping her. "What's our cover story?"

Ashley shrugged. "We got lost? How the hell should I know?" she began towards the door again after her last word. Tori followed close behind her. As the duo entered the door, they found themselves in the galley. A few men were sitting around, drinking and eating. A handful even had a game of cards going on. Ashley checked out the place. "I think it's after. I don't see Lumpy..." she quietly whispered to Tori. The men were looking at them oddly. Ashley cleared her throat, getting everyone in the galley's attention. "Excuse me. Where's the captain at?"

One man in the corner with short black hair and glasses stood up, his chair squeeking behind him. He approached the two. "Uh, hi. I can show you to the captain's quarters if you need to speak to him," the man nervously smiled.

Ashley nodded. "That's be wondeful. Thank you," she held out her hand, throwing a smile over her shoulder to Tori. "Ashley. Please to meet you mister?..."

"Preston. I'm Preston," he stuttered.

"I'm Tori," Tori said behind Ashley with a faint blush hidden under her hat. Preston motioned towards the door behind Tori and the three went out onto the deck under the night sky.

"So...how did you get onboard?" Preston asked as he walked towards a set of steps.

Tori and Ashley exchanged looks. "Walked," Ashley said quickly. "We walked on."

Preston nodded and pointed toward a door. "He's in here," he said as he knocked on the door. "Englehorn?"

The door opened a few seconds after Preston knocked and the short blond dishevled haired captain opened the door in a thin shirt and black pants. "Yes?" he asked gruffly. He eyed Tori and Ashley with an obvious curiousity. "Who are they?"

Preston coughed. "Ashley and Tori, sir. They asked to see you."

Englehorn opened to door wider. "Come in," he said as he stepped aside. "Thank you Preston." Preston nodded and walked back down to the galley as the two girls nervously walked into the captain's small quarters. "So what can I do for you?" he asked as he sat down on his bed.

"We'd like to travel on your ship as part of the crew," Ashley spoke without hesitation.

"That is, if it's alright with you Mister Englehorn," Tori objected, sending Ashley a glare.

Captain Englehorn looked at them. "Can you pay?"

The duo exchanged looks. "Forgot our money," Tori said with disappointment.

"Then I will put you to work," Englehorn said. "Can either of you cook?"

Ashley grew wide eyed and pointed at Tori. "She can!" Tori gave a small nod.

"Good. Then Tori, you shall become our new cook," he smiled at her. Englehorn looked at Ashley. "And you. What can you do?" Ashley shrugged. He sighed and said, "I'll give you some of Jimmy's jobs then."

Ashley's face lit up. "Yes sir!" she said enthusiastically. She smiled at Tori, who smiled back. "Thank you captain," Ashley said as she stood and began to the door. Tori followed her, but was stopped by the captain.

"You may want to get a change of clothes from one of the crew, Miss."

"Tori," she corrected.

"Right. Well, off ya go."

Ashley and Tori walked out from the room, shutting the door behind them. They both jumped up and down, dancing a bit, oddly happy about the jobs they recieved. "W-where are we gunna sleep?" Tori asked as she stopped jumping.

Ashley thought for a minute. "Let's go down to the cages for the night. Tommorow we'll ask about a cabin," she said, pulling Tori behind her down the steps to the cargo hold below deck.

"It's a good thing you're a nerd and seen the King Kong movie like a hundred times," Tori said with an eye roll.

Ashley just grinned. "I know."